Propel Funeral (ASX:PFP) share price on watch after first quarter update

Propel Funeral Partners delivers another quarter of growth, supported by its M&A activity.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP) share price could be a mover on Wednesday. This morning the company released its trading performance for the first quarter of FY22.

Two sets of hands clasped, merged and providing comfort.

Image source: Getty Images

Propel Funeral Partners share price on watch as acquisitions kick in

Propel Funeral Partners announced that its performance for the 3 months ended 30 September was materially above the prior corresponding period (pcp). The strong performance demonstrates its resilience despite COVID-19 impacts.

Revenue increased 13% against Q1 FY20, underpinned by a record number of funerals in the quarter.

Total funeral volume growth was 10% above the pcp, including comparable funeral volume growth of 5%.

While the company couldn't provide exact financial figures, it noted that average revenue per funeral remained resilient and in line with the pcp.

This is despite the impacts of extended lockdowns and strict funeral attendee limits across New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand during the quarter.

Propel achieved an operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of ~28%.

By comparison, its FY21 full-year results delivered operating EBITDA margins of 30.1%.

The Propel Funeral Partners share price has performed strongly this year following a steady stream of M&A.

Today's quarterly performance includes contributions from its 3 acquisitions completed during Q2 FY21. It also includes a 2-week contribution from its recently announced acquisition of State of Grace Funerals.

Management commentary

Propel managing director Albin Kurti said:

Propel's diversified network of funeral and related social infrastructure assets across Australia and in New Zealand has continued to deliver considerable financial resilience in the first quarter of FY22, despite COVID-19 impacts, and I thank our staff for their dedication to providing essential funeral and related services to local communities.

Hopefully extended lock downs, strict funeral attendee limits and travel restrictions will soon be behind us, enabling bereaved client families to grieve in a manner that they ordinarily would, surrounded by family and friends.

Propel Funerals Partners share price snapshot

The Propel Funeral Partners share has performed strongly in 2021, up 50% year to date, closing at $4.28 on Tuesday.

Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Propel Funeral Partners Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

This ASX 200 director bought over $500k of his company's shares just in time for the dividend!

Investors typically draw comfort from seeing board directors spend their own money buying more shares in the ASX 200 companies…

Read more »

Woman thinking in a supermarket.
Opinions

Should I buy Woolworths shares at $37?

Are Woolworths shares worth putting in the shopping basket?

Read more »

A man looks at his laptop waiting in anticipation.
Investing Strategies

Big lesson from reporting season: STAY AWAY from these ASX shares, says expert

Plus the one stock you will want to buy now to hold through the imminent economic turbulence.

Read more »

waving the chequered flag
Broker Notes

Start your engines: Fund backs 2 ASX shares to finish line

This pair of companies reported outstanding results during last month's reporting season. Celeste is predicting further gains.

Read more »

A little girl holds broccoli over her eyes with a big happy smile.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Goldman Sachs says buy Woolworths stock for reliable dividends AND 10% share price growth

This broker can't recommend Woolies shares highly enough.

Read more »

A woman is excited as she reads the latest rumour on her phone.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Lovisa is a 'phenomenon': broker urges investors to buy shares

This could be one of the best growth shares around according to one leading broker.

Read more »

A middle-aged woman sits in contemplation over a tablet device considering information about ASX shares and deep in thought.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

4 directors have been buying up this ASX 200 stock since the company reported

Should insider buying drive investor attention towards this stock?

Read more »

A couple in a supermarket laugh as they discuss which fruits and vegetables to buy
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Coles stock can deliver golden combo of share price growth plus dividends: Citi

Consumers are still shopping with Coles, helping grow its earnings.

Read more »